Professor builds better program to detect cheating in chess

3/21/2012 – Whatever some people may say, the subject is not going away anytime soon. Even the New York Times has picked it up, telling about the work of Kenneth Regan, a computer scientist who is also an International Master. He has been researching the problem for five years and was an expert witness in the French cheating scandal. Tell us what you think of his anti-cheating work.

By Dylan Loeb McClain

When it comes to cheating, chess might seem all but invulnerable. After all,
the board and its pieces are out in the open for all to see. But an eruption
of recent scandals has made it clear that cheating – fueled by powerful
computer programs that play better than people do, as well as sophisticated
communication technologies – is becoming a big problem for world championship
chess.

Last year the French Chess Federation accused
three players of colluding at the Chess Olympiad in Russia in 2010 by using
coded text messages and a signaling system. The federation banned the players
for five years, though the ruling is under appeal.

Of course, elite players are elite precisely because they win lots of games.
When they come under suspicion, how can officials determine whether they are
cheating? That is where Kenneth W. Regan comes in. An associate professor of
computer science at the University at Buffalo who is also an international master
at chess, Dr. Regan has been researching the problem for five years and was
an expert witness in the French case – though his principal focus is the
holy-grail math problem P versus NP. (P versus NP is about whether problems
that have solutions that can be verified by a computer can also be solved quickly
by a computer.)

Dr. Regan, 52, became interested in the chess issue during the 2006 world championship
match between Vladimir Kramnik of Russia and Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria.

Ken Regan periodically communicates with us, commenting on the news stories
on our web site and telling us about the work he is engaged in. His most recent
message was in connection with the article A
history of cheating in chess (4), on which he wrote:

Dear Frederic,

You are quite right that the "one-bit" form of cheating is the
major prospective problem. It even might be conveyed unwittingly by "vibes"
from a live audience – though I must report that in my game with Anatoly
Lein from the 1978 US Championship, an obvious Qxg5 hxg5 Rh8# combo went unnoticed
(by Lein – I saw it as soon as I played ...Ng5??) for 25 minutes despite
much fidget and my awareness of people running between the analysis room and
the back of the hall to see if he'd played it. Well that was a different matter
being a blunder – and I'd like to see live chess watching preserved.

Of course one-move helps won't show up in (my) statistical analyses. Nevertheless,
there have been regretfully numerous cases where cheating on essentially every
move of every game turns out to be the issue, and this does show up.

For the record, Rybka 3 to fixed reported depth 13 sees 20.g4! in Kasparov-Anand
from several moves away, per my Arena-scripted Single-PV analysis from June
2009 which is pasted after my name. So does the 50-PV analysis used for my
full-bore statistical modeling. This analysis underlies my published scientific
papers last year with Guy Haworth and Bartlomiej Macieja.

Yours sincerely,
Dr. Kenneth W. Regan

Articles on cheating over the years

A history of cheating in chess (4)28.02.2012 – Las Palmas 1996: Garry Kasparov
is agonizing over his 20th move against Vishy Anand. He calculates and
calculates but cannot make a very tempting pawn push work. Immediately
after the game he discovers, from his helpers, that it would have won
the ultimately drawn position. The point that became clear to him: a single
bit of information, given at the top level in chess, can
decide a game.

A history of cheating in chess (3)18.12.2011 – In January 1999 the main topic
of conversation amongst top players like Kasparov, Anand and others: who
was the mysterious German chess amateur, rated below 2000, who had won
a strong Open ahead of GMs and IMs, with wonderfully courageous attacking
chess and a 2630 performance? How had he done it? Turns out it was with
unconventional methods, as
subsequent investigation uncovered.

Early chess cheating story by Martin Gardner18.10.2011 – American writer Martin Gardner
anticipated current cheating woes in chess with his short story Nora Says
'Check'. In it a world champion called Sierpinsky alleviates his chess
boredom by guiding a not very bright waitress named Nora to chess fame
with the help of a confederate and some electrical trickery. You should
not miss this visionary jewel
of a tale, written in 1948!

A history of cheating in chess (2)04.10.2011 – Coaching players during the game
is probably the most widespread form of cheating (rivaled only perhaps
by bribery and the throwing of games). Although this practice began long
before the advent of chess playing machines, computers have added a new
and dramatic dimension to this method of cheating in chess. You will never
guess: who were the pioneers
of cheating with computers?

A history of cheating in chess (1)29.09.2011 – Hardly a month goes by without
some report of cheating in international chess tournaments. The problem
has become acute, but it is not new. In 2001 Frederic Friedel contributed
a paper to the book "Advances in Computer Chess 9". It traces the many
forms of illicit manipulations in chess and, a decade later, appears disconcertingly
topical and up-to-date. We
reproduce the paper in five parts.

Feller's interview, and a solution to the cheating scandal23.08.2011 – The French Championship is in
its eighth round, with four GMs in the joint lead. The event is marred
by continued suspicion and anti-cheating measures, brought on by accusations
that one of the participants had in the past engaged in organised cheating.
Sébastien Feller has given an interview on the subject, and we have a
proposal on how to clear
up the matter quickly.

Anti-cheating: the fifteen minute debate continues29.06.2011 – Our recent
reply to stern criticism leveled against us in the Dutch magazine
New in Chess resulted, unsurprisingly, in a large number of letters
from our readers, many quite effusive. But we decided not to publish any
until at least one turned up supporting the views of our NiC critic. Six
weeks went by until it at last came, authored by the critic himself. Now
we can publish
your letters.

Brilliance, drama and scandal at the German Championship04.06.2011 – GM Igor Kenkin tied for first
with GM Jan Gustafsson, winning the championship on the tiebreak score.
In the women's section Sarah Hoolt took sole first with 7.5/9 points.
In round six the defending champion, 19-year-old IM Niclas Huschenbeth
played a delightful game against Gustafsson, and in the final round FM
Christoph Natsidis was disqualified for cheating. Big
illustrated report.

Anti-cheating: the fifteen minute broadcast delay13.05.2011 – For five years we have been trying
to get FIDE to implement a 15-minute delay in the Internet broadcast of
important games – to make organised cheating harder. A chess journalist
has now pointed out a fatal flaw in the plan: it would force chess journalists
to walk many yards to find out the current status of the games. Damn –
and we thought it was such a good idea! What
is your opinion?

Cheating scandal: Opinions, concerns and revelations06.04.2011 – In a series of interviews, Robert
Fontaine from Europe Echecs, culled the opinions of the players, to get
a clearer idea on how players both French and foreign viewed the cheating
scandal. A lengthy interview with Jean-Claude Moingt, the president of
the French federation, revealed not only the next steps to be taken, but
also that confessions were not only made to the players. An
eye-opener.

Cheating in chess: the problem won't go away30.03.2011 – As you know the recent suspicion
of organized cheating during a Chess Olympiad has led to three French
players being suspended. One is currently playing in the European Individual
Championship, where his colleagues have published an open letter demanding
additional security. For years we have been proposing a remedy for this
very serious problem. It
needs to be implemented now.

French Chess Federation suspends players accused of
cheating21.03.2011 – On Saturday the Disciplinary Committee
of the French Chess Federation suspended GMs Sebastien Feller, Arnaud
Hauchard and IM Cyril Marzolo, finding them “guilty of a violation of
sporting ethics” for allegedly cheating during the Chess Olympiad 2010
in Khanty-Mansiysk. The three received suspensions, after evidence was
presented, including a detailed
description of how it was done.

FFE Cheating: Judge rules incriminating SMS inadmissible11.03.2011 – After unearthing a series of SMS
messages between players accused of cheating at the Olympiad using a phone
lent by the French Chess Federation vice president, the FFE sought to
have those messages transcribed and included as evidence in the upcoming
Disciplinary Committee. A judge ruled that secrecy could only be waived
if the FFE sued in court, as the FFE explains in a public
statement.

FFE: cheating not the first time, Biel statement01.02.2011 – The French Chess Federation disclosed
they had evidence that the "organized cheating" accusation, which has
rocked the chess world recently, is in fact not the first time.
They have now mandated the Federal Bureau to take the case to trial in
a court of law. Meanwhile the Organisers in Biel have issued a statement
on the same players earlier last year in their Master Group. Open
letters.

French GMs: ''We express our full support of the FFE27.01.2011 – Four grandmasters Maxime Vachier-Lagrave,
Laurent Fressinet, Vladislav Tkachiev and Romain Edouard have expressed
their dismay at the charges brought against three of their colleagues
who are accused of cheating. "If the allegations are found to be true,
we will condemn them firmly," they write, in this public
statement in Europe Echecs.

Battesti: 'It's insulting to our president and his federation'24.01.2011 – Instead of adopting an ostrich
position the President of the French Chess Federation and his VP have
initiated an investigation of French Olympiad members suspected of cheating.
They have appointed Leo Battesti, a Sorbonne-educated lawyer, as the spokesperson
for the Federation. Battesti has reacted to the
criticism of one of the accused player with an interview
in Europe Echecs.

Feller replies: 'I completely deny the cheating accusations'24.01.2011 – Two days ago the French Chess
Federation announced
the investigation of three French players on suspicion of "organized
cheating" at the Chess Olympiad in Khanty-Mansyik. Now one of the three,
19-year-old French GM Sebastien Feller, has replied emphatically, implying
that the entire action was a result of his support of the current FIDE
president (the FFE supported his rival Karpov). Open
letter.

Edward Winter's Chess Explorations (56)23.01.2011 – Cunning, gamesmanship, skulduggery,
bluff, trickery, foxiness, dishonesty and cheating are just some of the
terms that may be applied to a set of episodes related by the Editor of
Chess Notes.
They include play-acting, intentional time-trouble and illegal moves.
Never let it be suggested that chessplayers are devoid of ingenuity in
trying to outwit their opponents by fair
means or foul.

FFE accuses its own players of cheating22.01.2011 – Shocking news: the French Chess
Federation (FFE) has announced that it has initiated disciplinary action
against three players – one of them one of France's most promising talents
– on suspicion of "organized cheating, serious breach of sport ethics,
undermining the image of the national Olympic team in Khanty-Mansyik”.
We are following the investigation. Press
release.

Anand: Russia is still one of the strongest chess nations
in the world21.11.2009 – "For the greatest part of my life
I have been fighting the three K’s – Karpov, Kasparov and Kramnik," says
Vishy Anand on Moscow radio. "I have played no fewer than a hundred games
with each of them." The World Champion talks about the Russian school,
chess as an Olympic sport, computer cheating and the world championship
format. Interview
with WGM Elmira Mirzoeva.

Wesley So wins Dubai Open, player disqualified for cheating17.04.2008 – 14-year-old Wesley, the world's
youngest grandmaster, has won this year's Dubai Open. Wesley scored 7/9
with a 2708 performance. The event was marred by a case of cheating: an
untitled Iranian player was caught receiving moves by SMS on his cellphone.
His brilliancies against grandmasters were annulled and the delinquent
disqualified. Shocking.

Washington Post: Winning by Rook or by Crook18.11.2007 – It's been a banner year for cheating
scandals in sports. But a couch potato's juices really start to flow when
the epidemic spreads to chess. Paul Hoffman was particularly horrified
that an eight-year-old participant at a children's championship was accused
of receiving illicit help. The journalist, author and chess aficionado
vents his frustration in today's Washington
Post op ed piece.

FIDE Ethics Commission rules on Short and Topalov/Danailov31.08.2007 – After intense deliberation over
the complaints brought against Nigel Short, who had criticised top FIDE
officers, and Veselin Topalov and Silvio Danailov for accusing Vladimir
Kramnik of cheating during the 2006 World Championship, the Ethics Commission
has issued severe reprimands against the latter, while Nigel was warned
for using the word "dunderhead". Full
judgements.

FIDE to hold public hearing on Topalov/Danailov17.07.2007 – FIDE Ethics Commission is to hold
a hearing (on July 28 in Athens) on the activities of Veselin Topalov
and his manager Silvio Danailov during and after the 2006 World Championship
match in Elista, in particular the accusations that his opponent may have
been cheating and that the Topalov team was under pressure by the organisers
and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. Statement
and summary.

Kramnik on cheating and what to do about it07.06.2007 – "Did you cheat in Elista?" That
is the first question we put to Vladimir Kramnik on this touchy subject.
"No, I never cheated in my life," he replied, "not in winning or losing,
buying or selling games, and of course no cheating during a game." In
part three of our interview the world champion speaks about accusations
raised against him in Elista. Warning: this segment contains
harsh language.

FIDE to ACP on cheating: problem recognized11.03.2007 – "During the last Presidential
Board in Antalya FIDE officers were tasked with identifying measures and
reviewing ideas for the improvements sought to reduce opportunities to
cheat," FIDE says in reaction to the ACP letter we published a few days
ago. Further
suggestions are welcome.

ACP to FIDE: do something about cheating in chess!08.03.2007 – The subject simply won't go away.
Realizing the gravity of the situation the Association of Chess Professionals
has demanded that FIDE take immediate action to find a solution to the
problem of cheating in general. Meanwhile new accusations have been raised
against an Indian IM. Press
release.

Kommersant: new cheating accusations against Topalov11.02.2007 – It just won't go away. On Friday
the Russian newspaper Kommersant published a lead story on what it claims
is new evidence for assistance given to the world's top-rated player Veselin
Topalov during his games. A three-minute video by a Dutch fan is presented
as evidence. The ACP and FIDE have vowed to investigate. Report
and video footage.

Andrew Martin – The Inside Guide to Chess Cheating07.02.2007 – It seems that the modern tournament
player cannot get by without having at least a working knowledge of the
ways one can extract the maximum out of a chess game. In this week's Radio
ChessBase Show on Playchess.com
Andrew Martin covers the basics of cheating. Miss
it at your own cost.

Nigel Short pushes for cheating enquiry01.02.2007 – The international press has picked
up the story on cheating allegations that have been leveled at Veselin
Topalov and Silvio Danailov during the Wijk aan Zee tournament. There
have been claims that signaling was also used during the 2005 World Championship
in San Luis, Argentinia. Nigel Short, who was in San Luis, observed something
sinister in San Luis. Press
reports.

Toilet War – the Battle of Elista28.01.2007 – On Friday a new book was released
in Bulgaria called "Toilet War – A chess drama in 13 acts." It is by Zhivko
Ginchec, the press officer of the Bulgarian team in Elista, and describes
the "biotechnological attacks" Veselin Topalov was subjected to by the
Kramnik side. In the meantime Silvio Danailov has reacted to the allegations
of cheating raised by a German newspaper. Report
from the combat zone.

Minutes of the Chess Cheating conference in New York11.01.2007 – Early in December there was a
“Chess Cheating Town Meeting” at the historic Marshall Chess Club in New
York, bringing together some of America’s leading chess authorities in
a panel discussion about ways to head off computer assisted cheating in
organized chess competitions. Results
and minutes.

ACP World Cup: Kirsan speaks his mind05.01.2007 – The opening of the First ACP World
Rapid Chess Cup in Odessa, Ukarine, was a festive affair, highlighted
by a frank press conference in which FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
answered questions of journalists. These were mainly about computer cables,
cheating and a Kramnik-Topalov rematch. Read all about it in Misha
Savinov's report.

Chess in the news04.01.2007 – Is chess a sport, should it be
included in the 2012 London Olympics? Is there a basis for thinking that
cheating with computers is going on at the very highest level? What is
the potential of the strongest Indian players according to Commonwealth
champion Nigel Short? And why hasn't Tania Sachdev's face launched a thousand
products yet? We've
been reading the papers.

India: player gets ten year ban for cheating28.12.2006 – Umakant Sharma is an Indian chess
player who had performed at a steady 1900 level for many years. Then suddenly
his rating climbed to 2484, after a series of spectacular tournament successes.
A spot search revealed: he was using a bluetooth device stitched into
his cap to receive external computer assistance. Now all players are being
scanned
for hidden devices.

Chess Cheating conference in New York02.12.2006 – On Monday a “Chess Cheating Town
Meeting” at the historic Marshall Chess Club in New York will bring together
some of America’s leading chess authorities in a panel discussion about
ways to head off computer-assisted cheating in organized chess competitions.
The subject has turned hot in recent years and the conference is well
worth visiting.

Chess, cycling, hearing and other aids26.08.2006 – Seldom has a report generated
such intense feedback as our series on cheating. It turns out that the
communications device worn by a player at the World Open, the Phonito,
was indeed a hearing aid, but one that is ideal for wireless communication
as well. It is made by a company that sponsors cycling. Interesting
information.

Cheating at the World Open – more details17.08.2006 – Last week we reported that two
players were accused of using computer assistance during their games at
the World Open in Philadelphia in July. The story was in the New York
Times, but contained some inaccuracies. The tournament director who found
the secret communication device sets the record straight. And one of the
victims sent us analysis of his game. You'll probably guess
who played it.

Cheating Accusations at the World Open10.08.2006 – Two players are under suspicion
of having received help from computers at the World Open in Philadelphia.
One locked himself in a bathroom stall, the other, who was leading the
event before the last round and stood to win $18,000, was caught wearing
a "hearing aid" which turned out to be a wireless receiver used for surreptitious
communications. The
New York Times reports.

Scandal in Lampertsheim – cheating in the loo07.01.2003 – At the Open Tournament in Lampertsheim
a player was caught cheating. He was consulting the program Pocket Fritz
during the game in the toilet. While we in ChessBase condemn every form
of electronic performance enhancement we would like to express our thanks
to the player for choosing Pocket Fritz for his devious behaviour. We
recommend that the next time he use the new Pocket
Fritz 2 and carefully follow the
instructions.

Louis the Fat clobbered in Hastings29.12.2002 – The Normans introduced chess to
Hastings – William the Conqueror once broke a chess board over the head
of his nephew, Louis the Fat, having accused him of cheating. Fortunately
this is no longer allowed at Hastings, where the 78th
International Chess Congress is currently taking place (from Dec.
28 to Jan 5).

Top seed Mamedyarov withdraws from Aeroflot Open23.02.2009 – Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is the top
seed in the 2009 edition of the Aeroflot Open in Moscow (February 17–26).
After five rounds he was leading, together with Alexander Moiseenko and
Igor Kurnosov. In round six he was crushed by Kurnosov in 21 moves. Mamedyarov
filed an official complaint, essentially accusing his opponent of cheating,
and withdrew from the event. Breaking
news.

See also

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See also

7/5/2017 – This is neither prank nor clever wording: Garry Kasparov will be playing in the official St. Louis leg of the Grand Chess Tour from August 14-19, 2017. Please note that this is the Rapid and Blitz competition, just as the ones held in Paris and Levuen these last weeks, and not the classical events. However, this is not an exhibition event, and will determine the official Grand Chess Tour rankings as well as FIDE ratings of the players. Here is the press release.

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